Monday, January 21, 2008

Bring Out Your Dead

Today's run was a test to see how I'm doing with the recovery from the sinus infection. Main area of concern was my lungs, as they are still a little congested but also no longer producing anything slimy and green after I cough, just slimy and clear (sorry if that's TMI).

Run felt pretty good. Heart rate was way high, but that's to be expected. Lungs held up just fine, but at the same time, I don't think jumping into double-digit miles right away is a good idea. Perhaps by the end of the week if all goes well.

The rule of thumb I have read about over and over again on the topic of whether or not to exercise while sick is is referred to as the above/below the neck rule. If your symptoms appear above the neck (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat) then you exercise, but only at a low-intensity, aka low heart rate.

If your symptoms are below the neck (diahrrea, intense coughing, vomiting, fever), then both the American College of Sports Medicine and CDC suggest you let your illness run its course before resuming physical activity.